Health and Environmental Impact of Mercury in Small-Scale Gold Mining in The Philippines
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
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Health and Environmental Impact of Mercury in Small-Scale Gold Mining in The Philippines
1. UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Background of Small-Scale Gold Mining
in the Philippines
Environmental Impact
Health Impact
Recommendations
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
2. UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
In the mid-80’s , gold miners engaged actively in processing
the ore using the crudest method of gold extraction by
amalgamation
improper use of mercury during gold smelting and
uncontrolled disposal of mercury wastes into the
environment
estimated that some 26 tons of mercury are dumped
annually into bodies of water in Mindanao
population swollen from 70,000 to as much as 100,000
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
3. UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
4. Small-scale mining operations have
polluted tributaries and water systems
resulting in fish kill aside from
adversely affecting the cattle/livestock
industry and agricultural production
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Tunnelling to get the
gold-bearing ores.
Crude methods and safety issues
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
5. Testing the ores for
gold before loading
the ores in the
sacks.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Adding mercury
to the mixture
of ores and
water.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
6. Residue after
panning operation
where most of the
water are
removed.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Placing of residue in
filter cloth to
remove the
mercury from the
residue.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
7. Blowtorching
operations
Blow-torching is still rampant despite the introduction of
the retort method
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
SMALL-SCALE
GOLD MINING
OPERATIONS
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
8. Forest trees that were cut-
down contribute to the loss
of the topsoil while water
for mineral processing
deprive the people of water
for domestic use.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
The transformation in
Two main pathways of mercury
the natural contamination that can affect human
environment of populations in gold mining areas:
inorganic Hg to Me-Hg exposure to inorganic Hg due to
could eventually lead direct inhalation of Hg and skin
to bioaccumulation in contact during gold recovery
processes and second, exposure to
fish and other Me-Hg contaminated fish consumed
organisms through the by people who depend on riverine
aquatic food chains. products for food sources.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
9. People working in
mines during the
rainy season
regularly risk
drowning from flash
floods or the collapse
of retaining walls.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Total Number of fatalities - 32
miners
recovered – 27
trapped/missing – 5
Injured 2
Rescued 9
Total: 43
miners
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
10. Integrated Surveillance of the Health and Environmental
Impacts of Mercury Exposure in Gold Processing (Maramba, N,
et.al, 1988)
26% (60/230) of the workers use some form of protective
device such as facial cover or masks, boots and gloves
47%(106/230) showed gray or focal deposits in the gingiva
upon PE
16% (36/230) had decreased breath sounds
11%(24/230) had thyroid enlargement
The cross-sectional survey revealed that blood mercury
levels were elevated in 13 of the workers examined
Showed statistically significant association of blood mercury
levels with the duration of work, eosinophil count and serum
glutamic amino transferase
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Health Impact of Mercury Among Small-scale Gold Miners
in Camarines Norte (1991)
7 out of 99 (7%) were found to have elevated mercury
blood levels
4 miners detoxified
Health and Environmental Impact of Mercury Among
Schoolchildren in Apokon, Davao del Norte (2000)
Blood and hair samples from 162 schoolchildren aged 5-
17 years were collected and analyzed at the NIMD
Summary of physical examination results showed that
predominant findings include underheight, gingival
discoloration, adenopathy, underweight and
dermatological abnormalities among children examined
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
11. Mercury as a health hazard due to gold mining and Mineral
processing activities in Mindanao/Philippines (UNIDO, 2001)
Clinical symptoms among those examined showed that a
fair amount of workers from Diwalwal showed severe
symptoms that could be very well related to the classical
picture of mercury intoxication
Symptoms include fatigue, tremor, memory problems,
restlessness, loss of weight, metallic taste and sleeping
disturbances
Intentional tremor, mainly fine tremor of eye lids, lips and
fingers, ataxia, hyperreflexia and sensory disturbances as
well as bluish discoloration of the gums
More than 70% (73 /102) of the occupationally-burdened
population suffer from chronic mercury intoxication
Higher percentage among amalgam smelters (85.4%)
1/3 of the non-occupationally burdened is intoxicated
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Collaboration of the DOH, UP-
National Poisons Control and
Information Service with the
National Institute for Minamata
Disease-Japan
IAEA Research Coordinated
Project on mercury (10 countries)
provided technical assistance in
the analytical determination for
total and methyl mercury using a
semi-automated cold vapor atomic
absorption spectrometry
developed at NIMD-Japan and GC
methods (Akagi Method)
IAEA Mercury Project in collaboration with NIMD-Japan, UP-NPMCC (1999-2003)
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
12. § Analytical Methods to be
used
▪ acid digestion/ cold
vapor atomic
absorption
spectrophotometry
▪ dithizone-toluene/Gas
chromatography
▪ NIOSH Method 6009
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Component 1: Health assessment
social preparation of the community
Validated interview questionnaire (socio-demographic
profile, lifestyle, diet, medical history)
face to face interview with respondents
vital signs ; pulmonary function tests specifically PEFR
comprehensive medical and neurological examination
including a modified mental status examination
biological monitoring (blood, hair, urine samples)
Laboratory examination ( BUN, creatinine, ALT,AST)
urinalysis
IAEA Mercury Project in collaboration with NIMD-Japan, UP-NPMCC (1999-2003)
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
13. § Environmental Assessment
§ establish sampling stations based on the
selection of study site and assess the following:
§drinking water supply
§river quality assessment
§effluent discharge
§sediment/soil contamination
§air quality (ambient/personal/workplace)
§marine life
IAEA Mercury Project in collaboration with NIMD-Japan, UP-NPMCC (1999-2003)
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Monitoring of Mercury Levels in Soil/Sediment
Samples*
Activity T-Hg (mg/kg d.w.)
Small-scale gold mining
Ballmilling/refining (Tagum, 2000) 0.55 - 66.47
Mining/processing (Sibutad, 2001) 0.050 - 0.035
Ballmilling/Refining (Tagum, 2004) 0.014 - 4.48
Mining/processing (Mt. Diwata, 2005) 0.024 - 47.76
US EPA Primary Remediation Goal (PRG) for Hg = 23 mg/kg
* IAEA Mercury Project (DOH, UP-NPMCC, NIMD-Japan)
14. Monitoring of Mercury Levels in River
Systems*
Activity T-Hg (ng/ml)
Small-scale gold mining
Ballmilling/refining (Tagum, 2000) 72.8 - 78.4
Mining/processing (Sibutad, 2001) 0.36 - 0.55
RP-DENR Standards: 2 ng/mL
* IAEA Mercury Project (DOH, UP-NPMCC, NIMD-
Japan)
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Monitoring of Air Mercury Levels*
Activity T-Hg (ng/m3)
Small-scale gold mining
Mining/processing (Mt. Diwata,
1998)
ambient air 0.168 -0.388
workplace 3.54 - 6.46
Mining/processing (Sibutad, 2001) 4.74 - 13.44
US-EPA: 0.4 ug/m3 (ambient) ; Occupational: <0.025
mg/m3
*NIOSH Method 6009
IAEA Mercury Project (DOH, UP-NPMCC, NIMD-Japan)
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
15. Monitoring of Mercury Levels in
Fish*
Me-Hg
Activity T-Hg (mg/kg) (mg/kg)
Small-scale gold mining
Mining/processing (Mt. Diwata, 1998) 0.679 - 1.071 no data
Ballmilling/processing(Tagum, 2000) 0.0011- 0.439 0.0071 - 0.378
Mining/processing (Sibutad, 2001) 0.004 - 0.063 0.0038-0.036
Ballmilling/processing(Tagum, 2002) 0.001 - 0.104
Ballmilling/processing(Tagum, 2005) 0.005 - 1.976 0.002 - 0.580
US-FDA:RPDA (T-Hg): 500 ng/g: Japan standards : T-Hg (400 ng/g); Me-Hg (300 ng/g)
*IAEA Mercury Project (DOH, UP-NPMCC, NIMD-Japan)
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
A fish advisory was prepared to provide information on
fish species which are safe for the consumption of the
general public.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
16. Monitoring of Hair Mercury Levels*
T-Hg Me-Hg
Activity Population (ng/mg) (ng/mg)
Small-scale gold mining
0.278 -
Ballmilling/processing(Tagum, 2000) 162 schoolchildren 20.39 0.19 -18.47
(5-17 yrs)
38 workers &non-
Mining/processing (Sibutad, 2001) worker 1.05 - 68.68 0.86 - 5.81
13 children 0.95 - 2.73 0.73- 2.29
92 workers and 0.56 -
Mining/processing (Mt. Diwata, 2005) residents 307.51 0.52 - 5.99
Gold Mining (UNIDO-Diwalwal, 2001) 150 0.8 - 42.2 no data
Abandoned mercury mines (Palawan,
2004)
BGS, 1999 130 residents 2.2 - 4.41 no data
DOH/UP-NPCIS, 2004 35 children 0.18 - 13.29 0.16 - 8.01
35 mothers 0.53 -10.56 0.53 -7.06
NV adopted: hair total mercury: adults and children < 4ng/g ;
hair methylmercury: < 2 ng/g
*IAEA Mercury Project (DOH, UP-NPMCC, NIMD-Japan)
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Determination of Blood Mercury
Levels
T-Hg Me-Hg
Activity Population (ng/ml) (ng/ml)
Gold processing areas (Apokon, 162 0.76 -
2000) schoolchildren 56.88 1.36 - 46
(5-17 yrs)
38 workers 3.38 - 1.63 -
Gold mining (Sibutad, 2001) &non-worker 29.48 23.11
13 children 2.74 - 14.2 1.63 -11.48
Gold Mining (UNIDO-Diwalwal, <0.25 -
2001) 150 residents 107.6 no data
Gold Mining (UNIDO-Diwalwal,
2001) 150 residents <0.25 - 294
Biological Exposure Index for Mercury (Blood): adults = 15 ug/L; children =7.5 ug/L
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
17. Mercury levels in hair, blood, fish, water,
soil/sediment and water samples were analyzed
as part of the continuing collaboration with the
National Institute for Minamata Disease-Japan.
Samples were collected among 100 residents of
the mining community in Mt. Diwalwal, Monkayo,
Compostela Valley in collaboration with the
Center for Health Development for Southern
Mindanao and the local health unit.
Samples were analyzed February-March, 2005
Split sampling analysis with the EOH
Collaborating Center
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Five out of 100 residents from Mt. Diwalwal are
recommended to undergo further health
examination, for possible detoxification.
These residents have blood mercury levels > 75
ug/ml (permissible limit: 15 ug/ml).
39 more residents with blood mercury levels >
15 ug/ml will also have to be examined.
39/92 (42.39%) persons examined have total
hair mercury levels > NV of 4 ug/g.
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
18. Summary of Blood and Hair Total and Methylmercury
Levels, Mt. Diwalwal, 2005
Total mercury Methyl % Methyl
mercury mercury
Blood (N=100)
Mean+/- 21.44 +/- 27 7.2 +/- 4.61 46.41+/-26.23
SD
Range 3.61 – 239.99 1.04 – 24.60 8.54 – 100%
Hair ( N=92)
Mean+/- 13.34+/-39.92 1.84 +/- 1.12 52.06+/-31.02
SD
Range 0.66 – 289.21 0.52- 5.99 1.46 – 100%
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
The results of the laboratory tests showed that
inorganic/elemental mercury is the predominant
mercury specie in the blood samples and this is
indicative of the environmental and occupational
exposure of residents to the small-scale gold
mining operations in the area rather than their
dietary intake from contaminated fish. ( see
Table 1).
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
19. Area (Hg levels), ng/m3 Remarks
Ambient environment 153 - 1262 Outside the barangay hall
(near the barangay hall,
4:55 pm)
Gold Processing Area – 7044 – 28,890 Ballmilling and panning operations
House 1
Gold Processing Area – 50,000 Blowtorching area; no activity was
House 1 prevailing during the monitoring
Gold Processing Area – 429 – 27,200 Ballmilling and panning operations
House 2
Threshold Limit Value 50 ug/m3 or 50,000 Occupational standards were
(TLV) ng/m3 exceeded in the workplace in the
blowtorching area
Ambient air monitoring 200 ng/m3 Levels were exceeded in the
guidelines in households/residences where the
residences, USEPA monitoring was done.
* Air Monitoring using Lumex Mercury Vapor Analyzer
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Biological Exposure Index for Mercury (Blood): adults = 15 ug/L; children =7.5 ug/L
Name of Patient Blood Mercury Remarks
levels* (ug/L)
1. NS 82.7 Elevated, blood Hg level
17 yo, 2mos as small-scale miner
2. RD 51.3 Elevated Hg blood level
53 yo, housewife, residence with SSGM operations
3. VD 39.4 Elevated Hg blood level
51 yo,20 years-oversee SSGM operation)
4. AA 36.4 Elevated Hg blood level
20 yo, 6 mos as small-scale miner
5. WT 35.9 Elevated Hg blood level
27 yo, 5 mos as small-scale miner
6. MV 23.1 Elevated Hg blood level
25 yo, 1 yr. as small-scale miner
7. AE 19.2 Elevated Hg blood level
16 yo, 2 yrs as small-scale miner
8. EG 18.6 Elevated Hg blood level
34 yo, 10 yrs as small-scale miner
9. PH 5.2 60 yo,20 years as small-scale miner
10. MD ND:DL=1 21 yo, compressor diver
Biological Exposure Index for Mercury (Blood): adults = 15 ug/L; children =7.5 ug/L
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
20. Detoxification with DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid)
EMG-NCV testing
repeat mercury and other laboratory tests
repeat physical examination
repeat neurological examination
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
Health findings showed exposure of
schoolchildren to mercury from the
ballmilling operations in Tagum, Davao del
Norte
LGU established a zoning ordinance
Closure of ballmilling operations near institutions
(i.e. schools, hospitals, etc)
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
21. Sofie Lücke & Jenny Öhlander
Supervisors: Docent Lars Hylander & Ana Trinidad Rivera
Uppsala University, Sweden
Contact: Sofie Lücke: sofielycke@home.se
Jenny Öhlander: jenny.ohlander@d.lst.se
Lars Hylander: lars.hylander@hyd.uu.se
Need to establish a reference laboratory to undertake a
comprehensive inorganic and methyl mercury determination in
the area to provide the necessary guidelines on fish intake to
the community especially high risk groups such as pregnant
women and children
Education of high risk groups e.g as pregnant women/children
For the community to conduct the ff:
continue health& environmental monitoring activities in the
affected areas
Require establishments to install anti-pollution devices for air
pollution and waste treatment recovery/treatment facilities
Relocation of ballmilling/refining process into an industrial
zone
For the local government units to conduct monitoring of fish
especially those regularly consumed by the people
22. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE:
Need to formulate/update existing regulations
to further restrict mercury use in the country
Exposure to Hg should be minimized by phasing-out
certain uses of mercury where environment friendly
alternatives are available (e.g. medical, mining, etc)
▪ Department of Health has issued Administrative Order No.
21 on the Gradual Phase-out of Mercury in Philippine
Health Care Institutions
Conduct of Health and environmental
monitoring activities
undertaken to take into consideration low-dose
chronic exposure among the general population
and sensitive sub-populations such as pregnant
and lactating women including infants and children
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE:
Train miners on alternative environmental-friendly technology
in the extraction of gold from the ore
Integrate cost considerations for health, environment as well
as temporary storage and disposal of wastes, clean up and
remediation in the issuance of permits by regulatory agencies
in allowing continuing mercury use in artisanal small-scale
mining
Advocacy: People should be made aware of the toxic effects
of
mercury to human health even at low doses
Need to strengthen collaborative linkages with international
organizations /non-government organizations
UNEP-DENR Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, December 07-09,2010, Manila
23. Acknowledgement: The health team would like to extend their
gratitude for the generous support and assistance of the
following;
National Institute for Minamata Disease (NIMD, Japan)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Department of Health – Philippines
University of the Philippines-Manila,
Dr. Komyo Eto, Dr. Borut Smodis, Dr. Hirokatsu Akagi and
staff
Usec. Antonio Lopez, Dr. Desiree Narvaez and our CHD
Directors and staff
Provincial Governments of Palawan, Zamboanga del Norte,
Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley;
Local Governments/Health Units of Tagum and Puerto
Princesa Cities, Calaca, Sibutad and Monkayo.